Distributed coordination of mesh network configuration updates

ABSTRACT

In embodiments of distributed coordination of mesh network configuration updates, pending commissioning datasets are managed and distributed to coordinate configuration changes of parameters that control participation in, and secure communication over, a mesh network. Pending network commissioning datasets are managed across fragmentation of the mesh network into multiple partitions and subsequent merging of the fragments to ensure that the most recent updates to pending commissioning datasets are propagated to mesh network devices and that all mesh network devices will receive pending commissioning datasets before the time that the pending commissioning dataset becomes the active commissioning dataset for the mesh network.

BACKGROUND

Wireless mesh networking used to connect devices to each other, and tocloud-based services, is increasingly popular for sensing environmentalconditions, controlling equipment, and providing information and alertsto users. To ensure the security of mesh networks, the identity ofdevices joining and operating on a mesh network is authenticated, andcommunication within the mesh network is encrypted, based on credentialsthat are commissioned into the devices. However many devices on meshnetworks are designed to operate for extended periods of time onbattery-power by turning off, or sleeping, many operations such as radioand network interfaces for periods of time. In the face of radiofrequency interference or the failure of a device, a mesh network mayseparate into multiple partitions. Each partition elects a leader tomaintain the commissioning dataset for the partition. If a commissionerattaches to one partition, not knowing that the separation occurred,changes to the commissioning dataset are only updated in that partition.When the partitions merge back together, or a device moves from onepartition to another, differences between the original and updatedcommissioning dataset can prevent the partitions from successfullymerging unless managing the differences in the commissioning datasetscan be resolved so that all devices can again securely communicate.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of distributedcoordination of mesh network configuration updates. The simplifiedconcepts are further described below in the Detailed Description. Thissummary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

Distributed coordination of mesh network configuration updates isdescribed, as generally related to managing commissioning datasetsacross the mesh network. In embodiments, a mesh network device receivesa pending commissioning dataset that enables communication on a meshnetwork partition. The mesh network device initializes a delay timerwith a delay timer value from the pending commissioning dataset. Whenthe delay timer expires, the mesh network device applies parametervalues from the pending commissioning dataset to correspondingparameters in an active commissioning dataset and operates on the meshnetwork partition using the updated active commissioning dataset.

In aspects of distributed coordination of mesh network configurationupdates, a leader device receives a first pending commissioning datasetand propagates the first pending commissioning dataset to the meshnetwork. The leader device receives a second pending commissioningdataset from a node device in the mesh network and compares a firstpending timestamp in the first pending commissioning dataset to a secondpending timestamp in the second pending commissioning dataset. If theleader device determines that the second pending timestamp in the secondpending commissioning dataset is newer than the first pending timestamp,the leader device propagates the second pending commissioning dataset tothe mesh network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of distributed coordination of mesh network configurationupdates are described with reference to the following drawings. The samenumbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features andcomponents:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example mesh network system in which variousembodiments of the distributed coordination of mesh networkconfiguration updates can be implemented.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example environment in which various embodimentsof the distributed coordination of mesh network configuration updatescan be implemented.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of partitioning a mesh network inaccordance with embodiments of distributed coordination of mesh networkconfiguration updates.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of managing pending commissioning datasetsover mesh network partitions in accordance with embodiments ofdistributed coordination of mesh network configuration updates.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method of distributed coordination of meshnetwork configuration updates as generally related to managingcommissioning datasets across the mesh network in accordance withembodiments of the techniques described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example method of distributed coordination ofmesh network configuration updates as generally related to managingcommissioning datasets across the mesh network in accordance withembodiments of the techniques described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example method of distributed coordination ofmesh network configuration updates as generally related to managingcommissioning datasets across the mesh network in accordance withembodiments of the techniques described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example environment in which a mesh network can beimplemented in accordance with embodiments of the techniques describedherein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example mesh network device that can beimplemented in a mesh network environment in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the techniques described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example system with an example device that canimplement embodiments of distributed coordination of mesh networkconfiguration updates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wireless mesh networks are communication networks having wireless nodesconnected in a mesh topology that provides reliable and redundantcommunication paths within a mesh network. Wireless mesh networks usemultiple radio links, or hops, to forward data packets traffic betweendevices at the wireless nodes within the mesh network. This providescoverage for areas larger than the area covered by a single radio link.

Wireless mesh networks can be based on proprietary technologies, orstandards-based technologies. For example, wireless mesh networks may bebased on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, which defines physical (PHY) layerand Media Access Control (MAC) layer features and services for use byapplications at higher layers of a mesh networking stack. Upper-layerapplications use these standards-defined services to implementapplication-level secure communication (e.g., encryption andauthentication) across a mesh network.

To ensure secure communication and manage other aspects of mesh networkoperation, a user connects a commissioning device to the mesh network toupdate a commissioning dataset and/or to join new devices to the meshnetwork. The mesh network elects one router device to act as a leader tomaintain, update, and propagate the commissioning dataset to the meshnetwork. The commissioning of mesh network devices is described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/749,616 entitled “Mesh NetworkCommissioning” filed Jun. 24, 2015, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

When a new commissioning dataset is propagated to a mesh network, it isimportant that all the devices in a network transition to using the newcommissioning dataset at approximately the same time to ensure that allof the devices in the mesh network can continue to communicate securely.However many devices on mesh networks are designed to operate forextended periods of time on battery-power by turning off, or sleeping,many operations such as radio and network interfaces for periods oftime. Distributed coordination of mesh network configuration updatesensures the new commissioning dataset will not take effect until all thedevices on the mesh network have received the new commissioning dataset,assuring uninterrupted secure communication across the mesh network.

When the timing is specified for a new commissioning dataset to takeeffect, partitioning and merging of portions of the mesh network betweenthe propagation of the new commissioning dataset and the effective timeof the new commissioning dataset may affect the transition to the newcommissioning dataset. The content of the commissioning dataset maychange in one partition or the specified timing may be adjusted in oneof the partitions and not the other. Distributed coordination of meshnetwork configuration updates ensures that when the merger of thepartitions occurs, or when a device moves from one partition to theother, differences in the commissioning datasets and the effective timefor a new commissioning dataset are managed to maintain securecommunications for the mesh network.

While features and concepts of the described systems and methods for thedistributed coordination of mesh network configuration updates can beimplemented in any number of different environments, systems, devices,and/or various configurations, embodiments of the distributedcoordination of mesh network configuration updates are described in thecontext of the following example devices, systems, and configurations.Further, although examples of distributed coordination of mesh networkconfiguration updates are described with respect to IEEE 802.15.4, thetechniques described herein apply equally to any radio system and/orwireless network.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example mesh network system 100 in which variousembodiments of the distributed coordination of mesh networkconfiguration updates can be implemented. The mesh network 100 is awireless mesh network that includes routers 102, a router-eligible enddevice 104, and end devices 106. The routers 102, the router-eligibleend device 104, and the end devices 106, each include a mesh networkinterface for communication over the mesh network. The routers 102receive and transmit packet data over the mesh network interface. Therouters 102 also route traffic across the mesh network 100. The routers102 and the router-eligible end devices 104 can assume various roles,and combinations of roles, within the mesh network 100, as discussedbelow.

The router-eligible end devices 104 are located at leaf nodes of themesh network topology and are not actively routing traffic to othernodes in the mesh network 100. The router-eligible device 104 is capableof becoming a router 102 when the router-eligible device 104 isconnected to additional devices. The end devices 106 are devices thatcan communicate using the mesh network 100, but lack the capability,beyond simply forwarding to its parent router 102, to route traffic inthe mesh network 100. For example, a battery-powered sensor is one typeof end device 106.

The routers 102, the router-eligible end device 104, and the end devices106 include network credentials that are used to authenticate theidentity of these devices as being a member of the mesh network 100. Therouters 102, the router-eligible end device 104, and the end devices 106also use the network credentials to encrypt communications in the meshnetwork.

During sleep periods, a child end device 106 that sleeps is notavailable on the mesh network 100 to receive data packets addressed tothe child end device 106. The child end device 106 attaches to a parentrouter 102, which responds, on behalf of the child end device 106, tomesh network traffic addressed to the child end device 106.

The child end device 106 also depends on the parent router 102 toreceive and store all data packets addressed to the child device 106,including commissioning datasets, which may be received while the childend device 106 is sleeping. When the child end device 106 awakes, thestored data packets are forwarded to the child end device 106. Theparent router 102 responding on behalf of the sleeping child end 106device ensures that traffic for the child end device 106 is handledefficiently and reliably on the mesh network 100, as the parent router102 responds to messages sent to the child end device 106, which enablesthe child end device to operate in a low-power mode for extended periodsof time to conserve power.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example environment 200 in which variousembodiments of the distributed coordination of mesh networkconfiguration updates can be implemented. The environment 200 includesthe mesh network 100, in which some routers 102 are performing specificroles in the mesh network 100. The devices within the mesh network 100,as illustrated by the dashed line, are communicating securely over themesh network 100, using the network credentials.

A border router 202 (also known as a gateway and/or an edge router) isone of the routers 102. The border router 202 includes a secondinterface for communication with an external network, outside the meshnetwork 100. The border router 202 connects to an access point 204 overthe external network. For example, the access point 204 may be anEthernet router, a Wi-Fi access point, or any other suitable device forbridging different types of networks. The access point 204 connects to acommunication network 206, such as the Internet. A cloud service 208,which is connected via the communication network 206, provides servicesrelated to and/or using the devices within the mesh network 100. By wayof example, and not limitation, the cloud service 208 providesapplications that include connecting end user devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and the like, to devices in the mesh network 100,processing and presenting data acquired in the mesh network 100 to endusers, linking devices in one or more mesh networks 100 to user accountsof the cloud service 208, provisioning and updating devices in the meshnetwork 100, and so forth.

A user choosing to commission and/or configure devices in the meshnetwork 100 uses a commissioning device 210, which connects to theborder router 202 via the external network technology of the accesspoint 204, to commission and/or configure the devices. The commissioningdevice 210 may be any computing device, such as a smart phone, tablet,notebook computer, and so forth, with a suitable user interface andcommunication capabilities to execute applications that control devicesto the mesh network 100. Only a single commissioning device 210 may beactive (i.e., an active commissioner) on the mesh network 100 at time.

One of the routers 102 performs the role of a leader 216 for the meshnetwork 100. The leader 216 manages router identifier assignment and theleader 216 is the central arbiter of network configuration informationfor the mesh network 100. The leader 216 propagates the networkconfiguration information to the other devices in the mesh network 100.The leader 216 also controls which commissioning device is accepted as asole, active commissioner for the mesh network 100, at any given time.

FIG. 3 illustrates the mesh network 100 when a split or partitioning ofthe mesh network 100 has occurred. For instance, one of the routers 102may have lost power, resulting in a split of the mesh network 100 thatprevents one partition or fragment of the mesh network 100 fromcommunicating with another partition. On the other hand, radiointerference may have blocked communications in a portion of the meshnetwork 100 creating the split of the mesh network 100. When the meshnetwork 100 splits into two network fragments 302 and 304, the networkfragment 304 will choose a leader for the fragment 304, and may alsoaccept a commissioner for the fragment 304, which can be the same ordifferent than the commissioner for the fragment 302. Either, or both,of the fragments may update commissioning datasets during the split.

The mesh network 100 can cleanly and reliably partition into twodisparate fragments, which are fully functional networks whenconnectivity between the two partitions is severed. The partitions cancontinue any outstanding communications that are fully contained withina partition uninterrupted and can continue with normal key rotation. Thetwo mesh network partitions, formerly part of the single, mesh network100 can autonomously merge when connectivity between the two partitionsis restored.

If the commissioning dataset is changed in the network fragment 302during the split, the commissioning credential change will be propagatedto the devices within the network fragment 304 when connectivity isrestored between the network fragments 302 and 304. In other words, insome embodiments, the commissioning credential is updated to the mostrecently adopted credential. However, if both network fragments 302 and304 authorize different commissioners, and receive new and differentcommissioning credentials during the split, it may be more difficult todetermine the most recent credential.

Resolution of commissioning credentials between any two mesh networkfragments, previously fragmented but now merging, propagates the mostrecently changed commissioning dataset to the devices in the meshnetwork 100. If there is a change on the fragment 302, the user believeshe or she is changing the commissioning dataset on the entire meshnetwork 100 but, due to the partitioning, is only effectively changingthe credential on the fragment 302. At some later point in time, thefragments 302 and 304 merge. Because the original commissioning dataseton the fragment 304 remained unchanged following the fragmentation,whereas the commissioning dataset on the fragment 302 was changed, themerged fragments assume the new commissioning dataset established on thefragment 302 during the fragmentation. If there is a change to thecommissioning dataset on the fragment 304 during the split, the changemade on the fragment 304, is propagated to the devices in the fragment302 after the merge.

In the case where, two users change the commissioning dataset on therespective two fragments 302 and 304 during the split, the two userseach believe they are changing the commissioning dataset on the entiremesh network 100. However, because the mesh network 100 is fragmented,both users are able to establish themselves as the network commissionerand change the commissioning dataset on their respective networkfragments. At some later point in time, the fragments 302 and 304 merge,but it may not be known which leader, from the two fragments, willprevail as the leader for the merged mesh network. The leader thatprevails may not have a copy of the most recently changed commissioningdataset. Since the commissioning dataset was changed independently onthe two fragments, the fragment with the most recently updatedcommissioning dataset takes precedence.

To determine which network credential of the two is the most recent, thecommissioning dataset includes an active timestamp, as well as thecommissioning credential to resolve differences between thecommissioning credentials when the mesh network merges. The activetimestamp information enables nodes in the mesh network 100 to determinethe most recent update to the commissioning credentials in any fragment,and synchronize the commissioning dataset in the devices in the meshnetwork 100 to the most recently updated commissioning credentials.

To ensure an orderly transition of the mesh network to operation usingupdates to the commissioning dataset, the leader 216 propagates twocommissioning datasets, an active commissioning dataset, and a pendingcommissioning dataset. The active commissioning dataset includes theparameter values that are currently used by devices in the mesh network100. The active commissioning dataset includes an active timestamp thatis the time value assigned to the active commissioning dataset and isused for comparing between multiple, different active commissioningdatasets to determine which active commissioning dataset is the mostrecent and thus takes priority over all others.

The active commissioning dataset also includes a number of parametersthat a mesh network device uses to operate on the mesh network 100. Forexample, the active commissioning dataset may include a list oftype-length-value (TLV) fields that encode these parameters. By way ofexample, and not limitation, the active commissioning dataset includes achannel, a channel mask, an extended Personal Area Network (PAN)identifier (ID), a mesh-local prefix, a network master key, a networkname, a PAN ID, a pre-shared key for the commissioner (PSKc), and asecurity policy. The channel is a physical (PHY) layer channel that themesh network 100 uses for data transmissions. The channel mask is theset of physical layer channels that devices use when performing anactive scan. The extended PAN ID is used to identify the mesh network100. The mesh-local prefix is used for addressing and routingcommunication by devices in the same mesh network 100. The networkmaster key is used to derive security material for Media Access Control(MAC) layer and Mesh Link Establishment (MLE) message protection. Thenetwork name is a human-readable string that identifies the mesh network100. The PAN ID is a MAC-layer PAN ID that the mesh network 100 uses forcommunication. The PSKc is derived from a commissioning credentialpassphrase that a commissioner needs to connect to and authenticate withthe mesh network 100. The security policy specifies networkadministrator preferences for which security-related operations areallowed or disallowed in the mesh network 100.

The active commissioning dataset includes parameter values that affectthe ability for neighboring devices to communicate. Updates for theseparameters are communicated to the mesh network 100 in the pendingcommissioning dataset, and are scheduled to be used by the mesh network100 at a time in the future. The pending commissioning dataset includesa delay timer and a pending timestamp. The delay timer is a parameterthat indicates the time remaining until mesh network devices are toadopt the parameter values from the pending commissioning dataset forthe corresponding parameters in the active commissioning dataset. Thepending timestamp is a time value assigned to the pending commissioningdataset and is used for comparing multiple different pendingcommissioning datasets to determine which pending commissioning datasetis the most recent and thus takes priority over all others. The pendingcommissioning dataset also includes any of the parameters of the activecommissioning dataset. As an example, and not a limitation, the pendingcommissioning dataset includes the channel, the mesh-local prefix, thenetwork master key, and the Personal Area Network Identifier (PAN ID).

The delay timer is set to a time value which is long enough to ensurethat sleepy child end devices 106 will wake up and retrieve the pendingcommissioning dataset before the expiration of the delay timer. As anexample, and not a limitation, the delay timer is a count-down timer ina mesh network device that can be implemented in any suitable manner. Toensure that the delay timer is set to an appropriate value, limits maybe used to prevent setting the delay timer to a value of a time that istoo short to ensure that all devices receive the pending commissioningdataset before the expiration of the delay time. For example, thecommissioner may set this value based on knowledge of the devices andconfigurations in the mesh network 100. Alternatively, the leader 216may query the routers 102 in the mesh network 100 to determine howfrequently child end devices 106 wake up to retrieve data packets fromtheir respective parent router 102. Based on receiving this wake-upinterval information for the child end devices 106 from the routers 102,the leader 216 sets a minimum value for the delay timer that is equal toor greater than the longest reported wake-up interval to ensure that alldevices in the mesh network 100 will receive the pending commissioningdataset before the expiration of the delay timer.

As each router 102 forwards the pending commissioning dataset across themesh network 100, each router 102 adjusts the delay time value toaccount for any time taken by the router 102 to process and forward thepending commissioning dataset. This ensures that all devices in the meshnetwork 100 will transition to the parameter values in the pendingcommissioning dataset at approximately the same time.

When the delay timer running in each mesh network device expires (i.e.,reaches zero), each mesh network device updates the active commissioningdataset with the values from the pending commissioning dataset. Thedevices in the mesh network 100 then continue to securely communicate,using the newly updated values in the active commissioning dataset.Since each device in the mesh network switches at approximately the sametime, communication is uninterrupted in the mesh network 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates the management of pending commissioning datasets whena split or partitioning of the mesh network 100 has occurred. The meshnetwork 100 is illustrated as split into two partitions 402 and 404. Amesh network device 406 is shown detaching at 408 from the partition404. At 410, the mesh network device 406 joins the partition 402. Adataset manager application 412 in the mesh network device 406 retrievesthe active commissioning dataset 414 and the pending commissioningdataset 416 for the partition 402 from the leader 216 in the partition402. The mesh network device 406 uses the active commissioning dataset414 retrieved from the leader 216 in order to participate in thepartition 402.

After the mesh network device 406 joins the partition 402, the datasetmanager application 412 determines whether the active commissioningdataset 414, received from the leader 216, has a different activetimestamp than a local copy of an active commissioning dataset 414 thatwas stored by the mesh network device 406 before it joined the partition402. If the dataset manager application 412 determines that the storedactive commissioning dataset 414 is newer than the one the partition 402is using, the mesh network device 406 communicates the newer activecommissioning dataset 414 to the leader 216 of the partition 402, whilestill using the active commissioning dataset 414 that was retrieved fromthe leader 216 to communicate on the partition 402. If the datasetmanager application 412 determines that the local copy of the activecommissioning dataset 414 is older than the active commissioning dataset414 retrieved from the leader 216, the mesh network device 406 discardsthe older active commissioning dataset 414.

The mesh network device 406 may also have persisted a pendingcommissioning dataset 416 before joining the partition 402, whichincludes a delay timer as described above. If the mesh network device406 is not attached to a mesh network partition, the mesh network device406 maintains the delay timer in the pending commissioning dataset 416.When the delay timer expires, the dataset manager application 412 in themesh network device 406 applies the values in the pending commissioningdataset 416 to the active commissioning dataset 414. If the mesh networkdevice 406 is not joined to a mesh network partition when the delaytimer expires, it is assumed that other mesh network devices may also beswitching from pending to active commissioning datasets, and the meshnetwork device 406 will be configured to rejoin a mesh network partitionif it is using the updated active commissioning dataset as well.

If the dataset manager application 412 determines that the mesh networkdevice 406 has a delay timer that is running when it joins the partition402, the mesh network device 406 synchronizes its pending commissioningdataset 416 with the partition 402. If the value of pending timestamp,received in the pending commissioning dataset 416 for the partition 402,is equal to or greater than a local pending timestamp in the meshnetwork device 406, the dataset manager application 412 requests thepending commissioning dataset 416 from a neighbor device, such as meshnetwork device 420, in the partition 402, persists the pendingcommissioning dataset received from the neighbor device, and updates thedelay timer in the mesh network device 406 with the received delay timevalue from the neighbor device.

If the pending commissioning dataset 416 in the partition 402 includes apending timestamp value that is less than the value of the pendingtimestamp stored in the mesh network device 406, the mesh network device406 sends its pending commissioning dataset 416 to the leader 216 toupdate the pending commissioning dataset 416 for the partition 402. Ifthe leader 216 determines that the delay timer in the received pendingcommissioning dataset 416 is below a minimum delay time, the leader 216will increase the value of the delay timer to the minimum delay timebefore propagating the received commissioning dataset 416 to thepartition 402. Enforcing a minimum delay time guarantees that sleepingmesh network devices will receive the new pending commissioning dataset416 before the time at which the mesh network devices commit the valuesin the pending commissioning dataset 416 to their active commissioningdatasets 414. For example, the leader 216 may set the delay timer valueto a value based on querying the routers 102, as described above, toassure that a sleepy end device 422 will retrieve the pendingcommissioning dataset 416 before it is time to adopt it.

In the event that the mesh network device 406 is in the process ofjoining the partition 402, when the delay timer in the pendingcommissioning dataset 416 is close to zero or expires, the mesh networkdevice 406 adopts the pending commissioning dataset 416 only if it hascompleted joining the partition 402. If the time delay expires beforethe mesh network device 406 has fully joined the partition 402, the meshnetwork device 406 does not adopt the values in the pendingcommissioning dataset 416 and maintains its active commissioning dataset414.

Partitions that are formed when the mesh network 100 splits orpartitions, as described above and shown at 424, use the same mechanismsas described with respect to the mesh network device 406 moving betweenthe partition 404 and the partition 402. As a part of the merge, themesh network 100 decides on a single mesh network device to be theleader 216 of the merged mesh network 100. When the leader 216 isselected, the leader 216 propagates its copies of the activecommissioning dataset 414 and the pending commissioning dataset 416.Each device in the merged mesh network 100 processes the activecommissioning dataset 414 and the pending commissioning dataset 416received from the leader 216, as described with respect to mesh networkdevice 406 above, which results in the merged mesh network 100 operatingwith the most recent active commissioning dataset 414 and the mostrecent pending commissioning dataset 416.

Example methods 500 through 700 are described with reference torespective FIGS. 5-7 in accordance with one or more embodiments of thedistributed coordination of mesh network configuration updates.Generally, any of the components, modules, methods, and operationsdescribed herein can be implemented using software, firmware, hardware(e.g., fixed logic circuitry), manual processing, or any combinationthereof. Some operations of the example methods may be described in thegeneral context of executable instructions stored on computer-readablestorage memory that is local and/or remote to a computer processingsystem, and implementations can include software applications, programs,functions, and the like. Alternatively or in addition, any of thefunctionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, byone or more hardware logic components, such as, and without limitation,Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs),System-on-a-chip systems (SoCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices(CPLDs), and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates example method(s) 500 of the distributed coordinationof mesh network configuration updates as generally related to managingcommissioning datasets across the mesh network. The order in which themethod blocks are described are not intended to be construed as alimitation, and any number of the described method blocks can becombined in any order to implement a method, or an alternate method.

At block 502, a mesh network device receives a pending commissioningdataset. For example, a mesh network device 420 receives a pendingcommissioning dataset 416 from the leader 216 over the mesh network 100,and the pending commissioning dataset 416 includes parameters forcommunication on the mesh network 100.

At block 504, the mesh network device sets a delay timer to a receiveddelay timer value. For example, the mesh network device 420 initializesthe value of a delay timer with a delay time value included in thereceived pending commissioning dataset 416.

At block 506, a determination is made as to whether the delay timer hasexpired. For example, the mesh network device 420 periodically evaluatesa current value of the delay timer to determine if the delay timer hasexpired. If the delay timer has not expired (i.e., “No” from 506,) themesh network device 420 continues to periodically evaluate the delaytimer value. Alternatively, the mesh network device 420 may determinethe delay timer has expired based on receiving an interrupt from thetimer, or has not expired based on not receiving the timer interrupt.

At block 508, the mesh network device updates parameters in its localcopy of the active commissioning dataset with the corresponding valuesin the pending commissioning dataset. For example, if the mesh networkdevice 420 determines that the delay timer has expired (i.e., “Yes” from506), the mesh network device 420 updates parameters of the activecommissioning dataset 414 in the mesh network device 420 with thecorresponding values from the pending commissioning dataset 416.

At block 510, the mesh network device operates on the mesh network usingthe active commissioning dataset. For example, the mesh network device420 communicates with other mesh network devices in the mesh network 100using the updated active commissioning dataset 414.

FIG. 6 illustrates example method(s) 600 of the distributed coordinationof mesh network configuration updates as generally related to managingcommissioning datasets across the mesh network. The order in which themethod blocks are described are not intended to be construed as alimitation, and any number of the described method blocks can becombined in any order to implement a method, or an alternate method.

At block 602, a mesh network device joins a mesh network partition. Forexample, the mesh network device 406 joins the partition 402 of the meshnetwork that has been partitioned into the two partitions 402 and 404.

At block 604, the mesh network device retrieves an active commissioningdataset and a pending commissioning dataset for the mesh networkpartition. For example, the mesh network device 406 retrieves the activecommissioning dataset and the pending commissioning dataset from theleader 216 of the partition 402.

At block 606, the mesh network device updates a local activecommissioning dataset with values from the retrieved activecommissioning dataset. For example, the mesh network device 406 updatesa local active commissioning dataset that is stored in the mesh networkdevice 406 with values from the retrieved active commissioning dataset,so that the mesh network device 406 can operate on the partition 402.

At block 608, the mesh network device compares an active timestamp,included in the retrieved active commissioning dataset, to the activetimestamp, included in the active commissioning dataset stored in themesh network device, which was in use before the update, to determine ifthe active timestamp in the active commissioning dataset is newer thanthe retrieved active timestamp. For example, the mesh network device 406compares an active timestamp included in the retrieved activecommissioning dataset 414 to the active timestamp from the activecommissioning dataset 414 stored in the mesh network device 406, whichwas in use before the update, to determine if the active timestamp inthe active commissioning dataset is newer than the active timestamp inthe retrieved active commissioning dataset.

At block 610, in response to determining that the active commissioningdataset stored in the mesh network device is newer (i.e., “Yes” from608), the mesh network device sends the stored copy of the activecommissioning dataset to the leader of the mesh network. For example,the mesh network device 406 transmits the active commissioning dataset414, stored in the mesh network device 406, to the leader device 216,causing the leader device 216 to compare the received active timestampto the active timestamp in the active commissioning dataset 414 storedin the leader device 216 to determine the most recent activecommissioning dataset 414.

At block 612, the mesh network device compares a pending timestamp,included in the retrieved pending commissioning dataset, to the pendingtimestamp, included in the pending commissioning dataset stored in themesh network device, to determine if the retrieved pending timestamp isnewer than the pending timestamp in the stored commissioning dataset.For example, the mesh network device 406 compares the value of thepending timestamp, included in the pending commissioning dataset 416retrieved from the leader 216 of the mesh network partition 402, to thepending timestamp from the pending commissioning dataset 416, stored inthe mesh network device 406, to determine if the retrieved pendingtimestamp value is newer. The method also transitions to block 612, ifthe active timestamp from the active commissioning dataset stored in themesh network device is not newer (i.e., “No” from 608.)

At block 614, in response to determining the retrieved pending timestampis newer (i.e., “Yes” from 612,) the mesh network device updates thedelay timer with the retrieved delay timer value. For example, based ondetermining the retrieved pending timestamp value being newer, the meshnetwork device 406 sets the delay timer to the retrieved delay timervalue for the mesh network partition 402.

At block 616, in response to determining the retrieved pending timestampvalue is not newer (i.e., “No” from 612) the mesh network device sends acopy of the pending commissioning dataset stored in the mesh networkdevice to the leader. For example, based on determining the retrievedpending timestamp value is not newer, the mesh network device 406transmits a copy of the pending commissioning dataset 416, stored in themesh network device 406, to the leader 216, causing the leader 216 tocompare the pending timestamp in the transmitted pending commissionerdataset 416 to a pending timestamp stored in the leader 216.

FIG. 7 illustrates example method(s) 700 of the distributed coordinationof mesh network configuration updates as generally related to managingcommissioning datasets across the mesh network. The order in which themethod blocks are described are not intended to be construed as alimitation, and any number of the described method blocks can becombined in any order to implement a method, or an alternate method.

At block 702, a leader receives a first pending commissioning dataset.For example, the leader device 216 receives a pending commissioningdataset 416 from the commissioning device 210.

At block 704, the leader propagates the received pending commissioningdataset to the mesh network. For example, the leader device 216 stores acopy of the pending commissioning dataset 416 in its memory andtransmits the pending commissioning dataset 416 across the mesh network100.

At block 706, the leader receives a second pending commissioningdataset. For example, the leader device 216 receives a pendingcommissioning dataset 416 from the mesh network device 406 that isjoining the mesh network partition 402.

At block 708, the leader compares a pending timestamp received in thesecond pending commissioning dataset, to the pending timestamp in thefirst pending commissioning dataset, to determine that the secondpending commissioning dataset is newer than the first pendingcommissioning dataset. For example, the leader device 216 compares thevalue of the pending timestamp included in the second pendingcommissioning dataset 416, received from the mesh network device 406, tothe value of the pending timestamp in the first pending commissioningdataset 416 to determine that the second pending commissioning dataset416 is newer, otherwise the second pending commissioning dataset 416 isdiscarded by the leader device 216 and the method terminates.

At block 710, the leader compares the value of the delay timer receivedin the second pending commissioning dataset to a minimum delay time todetermine if the value of the received delay timer is less than theminimum delay time. If the value of the received delay timer is not lessthan the minimum delay time (i.e., “No” from 710,) the process continuesat block 714. For example, the leader device 216 compares the value ofthe delay timer received in the second pending commissioning dataset 416from the mesh network device 406 to a minimum delay time to determine ifthe value of the received delay timer is less than the minimum delaytime.

At block 712, in response to determining that the value of the delaytimer is less than the minimum delay time (i.e., “Yes” from 710), theleader sets the to the minimum delay value. For example, the leaderdevice 216 set the value of the delay timer to the minimum delay time.

At block 714, the leader propagates the received pending commissioningdataset to the mesh network. For example, the leader device 216 stores acopy of the received pending commissioning dataset 416 in its memory andtransmits the received pending commissioning dataset 416 across the meshnetwork 100.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example environment 800 in which the mesh network100 (as described with reference to FIG. 1), and embodiments ofdistributed coordination of mesh network configuration updates can beimplemented. Generally, the environment 800 includes the mesh network100 implemented as part of a smart-home or other type of structure withany number of mesh network devices that are configured for communicationin a mesh network. For example, the mesh network devices can include athermostat 802, hazard detectors 804 (e.g., for smoke and/or carbonmonoxide), cameras 806 (e.g., indoor and outdoor), lighting units 808(e.g., indoor and outdoor), and any other types of mesh network devices810 that are implemented inside and/or outside of a structure 812 (e.g.,in a smart-home environment). In this example, the mesh network devicescan also include any of the previously described devices, such as aborder router 202, a leader device 216, a commissioning device 210, aswell as any of the devices implemented as a router 102, and/or an enddevice 106.

In the environment 800, any number of the mesh network devices can beimplemented for wireless interconnection to wirelessly communicate andinteract with each other. The mesh network devices are modular,intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices that can integrateseamlessly with each other and/or with a central server or acloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful smart-homeobjectives and implementations. An example of a mesh network device thatcan be implemented as any of the devices described herein is shown anddescribed with reference to FIG. 9.

In implementations, the thermostat 802 may include a Nest® LearningThermostat that detects ambient climate characteristics (e.g.,temperature and/or humidity) and controls a HVAC system 814 in thesmart-home environment. The learning thermostat 802 and other smartdevices “learn” by capturing occupant settings to the devices. Forexample, the thermostat learns preferred temperature set-points formornings and evenings, and when the occupants of the structure areasleep or awake, as well as when the occupants are typically away or athome.

A hazard detector 804 can be implemented to detect the presence of ahazardous substance or a substance indicative of a hazardous substance(e.g., smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide). In examples of wirelessinterconnection, a hazard detector 804 may detect the presence of smoke,indicating a fire in the structure, in which case the hazard detectorthat first detects the smoke can broadcast a low-power wake-up signal toall of the connected mesh network devices. The other hazard detectors804 can then receive the broadcast wake-up signal and initiate ahigh-power state for hazard detection and to receive wirelesscommunications of alert messages. Further, the lighting units 808 canreceive the broadcast wake-up signal and activate in the region of thedetected hazard to illuminate and identify the problem area. In anotherexample, the lighting units 808 may activate in one illumination colorto indicate a problem area or region in the structure, such as for adetected fire or break-in, and activate in a different illuminationcolor to indicate safe regions and/or escape routes out of thestructure.

In various configurations, the mesh network devices 810 can include anentryway interface device 816 that functions in coordination with anetwork-connected door lock system 818, and that detects and responds toa person's approach to or departure from a location, such as an outerdoor of the structure 812. The entryway interface device 816 caninteract with the other mesh network devices based on whether someonehas approached or entered the smart-home environment. An entrywayinterface device 816 can control doorbell functionality, announce theapproach or departure of a person via audio or visual means, and controlsettings on a security system, such as to activate or deactivate thesecurity system when occupants come and go. The mesh network devices 810can also include other sensors and detectors, such as to detect ambientlighting conditions, detect room-occupancy states (e.g., with anoccupancy sensor 820), and control a power and/or dim state of one ormore lights. In some instances, the sensors and/or detectors may alsocontrol a power state or speed of a fan, such as a ceiling fan 822.Further, the sensors and/or detectors may detect occupancy in a room orenclosure, and control the supply of power to electrical outlets ordevices 824, such as if a room or the structure is unoccupied.

The mesh network devices 810 may also include connected appliancesand/or controlled systems 826, such as refrigerators, stoves and ovens,washers, dryers, air conditioners, pool heaters 828, irrigation systems830, security systems 832, and so forth, as well as other electronic andcomputing devices, such as televisions, entertainment systems,computers, intercom systems, garage-door openers 834, ceiling fans 822,control panels 836, and the like. When plugged in, an appliance, device,or system can announce itself to the mesh network as described above,and can be automatically integrated with the controls and devices of themesh network, such as in the smart-home. It should be noted that themesh network devices 810 may include devices physically located outsideof the structure, but within wireless communication range, such as adevice controlling a swimming pool heater 828 or an irrigation system830.

As described above, the mesh network 100 includes a border router 202that interfaces for communication with an external network, outside themesh network 100. The border router 202 connects to an access point 204,which connects to the communication network 206, such as the Internet. Acloud service 208, which is connected via the communication network 206,provides services related to and/or using the devices within the meshnetwork 100. By way of example, the cloud service 208 can includeapplications for the commissioning device 210, such as smart phones,tablets, and the like, to devices in the mesh network, processing andpresenting data acquired in the mesh network 100 to end users, linkingdevices in one or more mesh networks 100 to user accounts of the cloudservice 208, provisioning and updating devices in the mesh network 100,and so forth. For example, a user can control the thermostat 802 andother mesh network devices in the smart-home environment using anetwork-connected computer or portable device, such as a mobile phone ortablet device. Further, the mesh network devices can communicateinformation to any central server or cloud-computing system via theborder router 202 and the access point 204. The data communications canbe carried out using any of a variety of custom or standard wirelessprotocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, ZigBee for low power, 6LoWPAN, etc.) and/or byusing any of a variety of custom or standard wired protocols (CAT6Ethernet, HomePlug, etc.).

Any of the mesh network devices in the mesh network 100 can serve aslow-power and communication nodes to create the mesh network 100 in thesmart-home environment. Individual low-power nodes of the network canregularly send out messages regarding what they are sensing, and theother low-powered nodes in the environment—in addition to sending outtheir own messages—can repeat the messages, thereby communicating themessages from node to node (i.e., from device to device) throughout themesh network. The mesh network devices can be implemented to conservepower, particularly when battery-powered, utilizing low-poweredcommunication protocols to receive the messages, translate the messagesto other communication protocols, and send the translated messages toother nodes and/or to a central server or cloud-computing system. Forexample, an occupancy and/or ambient light sensor can detect an occupantin a room as well as measure the ambient light, and activate the lightsource when the ambient light sensor 840 detects that the room is darkand when the occupancy sensor 820 detects that someone is in the room.Further, the sensor can include a low-power wireless communication chip(e.g., a ZigBee chip) that regularly sends out messages regarding theoccupancy of the room and the amount of light in the room, includinginstantaneous messages coincident with the occupancy sensor detectingthe presence of a person in the room. As mentioned above, these messagesmay be sent wirelessly, using the mesh network, from node to node (i.e.,smart device to smart device) within the smart-home environment as wellas over the Internet to a central server or cloud-computing system.

In other configurations, various ones of the mesh network devices canfunction as “tripwires” for an alarm system in the smart-homeenvironment. For example, in the event a perpetrator circumventsdetection by alarm sensors located at windows, doors, and other entrypoints of the structure or environment, the alarm could still betriggered by receiving an occupancy, motion, heat, sound, etc. messagefrom one or more of the low-powered mesh nodes in the mesh network. Inother implementations, the mesh network can be used to automaticallyturn on and off the lighting units 808 as a person transitions from roomto room in the structure. For example, the mesh network devices candetect the person's movement through the structure and communicatecorresponding messages via the nodes of the mesh network. Using themessages that indicate which rooms are occupied, other mesh networkdevices that receive the messages can activate and/or deactivateaccordingly. As referred to above, the mesh network can also be utilizedto provide exit lighting in the event of an emergency, such as byturning on the appropriate lighting units 808 that lead to a safe exit.The light units 808 may also be turned-on to indicate the directionalong an exit route that a person should travel to safely exit thestructure.

The various mesh network devices may also be implemented to integrateand communicate with wearable computing devices 842, such as may be usedto identify and locate an occupant of the structure, and adjust thetemperature, lighting, sound system, and the like accordingly. In otherimplementations, RFID sensing (e.g., a person having an RFID bracelet,necklace, or key fob), synthetic vision techniques (e.g., video camerasand face recognition processors), audio techniques (e.g., voice, soundpattern, vibration pattern recognition), ultrasound sensing/imagingtechniques, and infrared or near-field communication (NFC) techniques(e.g., a person wearing an infrared or NFC-capable smartphone), alongwith rules-based inference engines or artificial intelligence techniquesthat draw useful conclusions from the sensed information as to thelocation of an occupant in the structure or environment.

In other implementations, personal comfort-area networks, personalhealth-area networks, personal safety-area networks, and/or other suchhuman-facing functionalities of service robots can be enhanced bylogical integration with other mesh network devices and sensors in theenvironment according to rules-based inferencing techniques orartificial intelligence techniques for achieving better performance ofthese functionalities. In an example relating to a personal health-area,the system can detect whether a household pet is moving toward thecurrent location of an occupant (e.g., using any of the mesh networkdevices and sensors), along with rules-based inferencing and artificialintelligence techniques. Similarly, a hazard detector service robot canbe notified that the temperature and humidity levels are rising in akitchen, and temporarily raise a hazard detection threshold, such as asmoke detection threshold, under an inference that any small increasesin ambient smoke levels will most likely be due to cooking activity andnot due to a genuinely hazardous condition. Any service robot that isconfigured for any type of monitoring, detecting, and/or servicing canbe implemented as a mesh node device on the mesh network, conforming tothe wireless interconnection protocols for communicating on the meshnetwork.

The mesh network devices 810 may also include a smart alarm clock 844for each of the individual occupants of the structure in the smart-homeenvironment. For example, an occupant can customize and set an alarmdevice for a wake time, such as for the next day or week. Artificialintelligence can be used to consider occupant responses to the alarmswhen they go off and make inferences about preferred sleep patterns overtime. An individual occupant can then be tracked in the mesh networkbased on a unique signature of the person, which is determined based ondata obtained from sensors located in the mesh network devices, such assensors that include ultrasonic sensors, passive IR sensors, and thelike. The unique signature of an occupant can be based on a combinationof patterns of movement, voice, height, size, etc., as well as usingfacial recognition techniques.

In an example of wireless interconnection, the wake time for anindividual can be associated with the thermostat 802 to control the HVACsystem in an efficient manner so as to pre-heat or cool the structure todesired sleeping and awake temperature settings. The preferred settingscan be learned over time, such as by capturing the temperatures set inthe thermostat before the person goes to sleep and upon waking up.Collected data may also include biometric indications of a person, suchas breathing patterns, heart rate, movement, etc., from which inferencesare made based on this data in combination with data that indicates whenthe person actually wakes up. Other mesh network devices can use thedata to provide other smart-home objectives, such as adjusting thethermostat 802 so as to pre-heat or cool the environment to a desiredsetting, and turning-on or turning-off the lights 808.

In implementations, the mesh network devices can also be utilized forsound, vibration, and/or motion sensing such as to detect running waterand determine inferences about water usage in a smart-home environmentbased on algorithms and mapping of the water usage and consumption. Thiscan be used to determine a signature or fingerprint of each water sourcein the home, and is also referred to as “audio fingerprinting waterusage.” Similarly, the mesh network devices can be utilized to detectthe subtle sound, vibration, and/or motion of unwanted pests, such asmice and other rodents, as well as by termites, cockroaches, and otherinsects. The system can then notify an occupant of the suspected pestsin the environment, such as with warning messages to help facilitateearly detection and prevention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example mesh network device 900 that can beimplemented as any of the mesh network devices in a mesh network inaccordance with one or more embodiments of distributed coordination ofmesh network configuration updates as described herein. The device 900can be integrated with electronic circuitry, microprocessors, memory,input output (I/O) logic control, communication interfaces andcomponents, as well as other hardware, firmware, and/or software toimplement the device in a mesh network. Further, the mesh network device900 can be implemented with various components, such as with any numberand combination of different components as further described withreference to the example device shown in FIG. 9.

In this example, the mesh network device 900 includes a low-powermicroprocessor 902 and a high-power microprocessor 904 (e.g.,microcontrollers or digital signal processors) that process executableinstructions. The device also includes an input-output (I/O) logiccontrol 906 (e.g., to include electronic circuitry). The microprocessorscan include components of an integrated circuit, programmable logicdevice, a logic device formed using one or more semiconductors, andother implementations in silicon and/or hardware, such as a processorand memory system implemented as a system-on-chip (SoC). Alternativelyor in addition, the device can be implemented with any one orcombination of software, hardware, firmware, or fixed logic circuitrythat may be implemented with processing and control circuits. Thelow-power microprocessor 902 and the high-power microprocessor 904 canalso support one or more different device functionalities of the device.For example, the high-power microprocessor 904 may executecomputationally intensive operations, whereas the low-powermicroprocessor 902 may manage less complex processes such as detecting ahazard or temperature from one or more sensors 908. The low-powerprocessor 902 may also wake or initialize the high-power processor 904for computationally intensive processes.

The one or more sensors 908 can be implemented to detect variousproperties such as acceleration, temperature, humidity, water, suppliedpower, proximity, external motion, device motion, sound signals,ultrasound signals, light signals, fire, smoke, carbon monoxide,global-positioning-satellite (GPS) signals, radio-frequency (RF), otherelectromagnetic signals or fields, or the like. As such, the sensors 908may include any one or a combination of temperature sensors, humiditysensors, hazard-related sensors, other environmental sensors,accelerometers, microphones, optical sensors up to and including cameras(e.g., charged coupled-device or video cameras, active or passiveradiation sensors, GPS receivers, and radio frequency identificationdetectors. In implementations, the mesh network device 900 may includeone or more primary sensors, as well as one or more secondary sensors,such as primary sensors that sense data central to the core operation ofthe device (e.g., sensing a temperature in a thermostat or sensing smokein a smoke detector), while the secondary sensors may sense other typesof data (e.g., motion, light or sound), which can be used forenergy-efficiency objectives or smart-operation objectives.

The mesh network device 900 includes a memory device controller 910 anda memory device 912, such as any type of a nonvolatile memory and/orother suitable electronic data storage device. The mesh network device900 can also include various firmware and/or software, such as anoperating system 914 that is maintained as computer executableinstructions by the memory and executed by a microprocessor. The devicesoftware may also include a dataset manager application 916 thatimplements embodiments of distributed coordination of mesh networkconfiguration updates. The mesh network device 900 also includes adevice interface 918 to interface with another device or peripheralcomponent, and includes an integrated data bus 920 that couples thevarious components of the mesh network device for data communicationbetween the components. The data bus in the mesh network device may alsobe implemented as any one or a combination of different bus structuresand/or bus architectures.

The device interface 918 may receive input from a user and/or provideinformation to the user (e.g., as a user interface), and a receivedinput can be used to determine a setting. The device interface 918 mayalso include mechanical or virtual components that respond to a userinput. For example, the user can mechanically move a sliding orrotatable component, or the motion along a touchpad may be detected, andsuch motions may correspond to a setting adjustment of the device.Physical and virtual movable user-interface components can allow theuser to set a setting along a portion of an apparent continuum. Thedevice interface 918 may also receive inputs from any number ofperipherals, such as buttons, a keypad, a switch, a microphone, and animager (e.g., a camera device).

The mesh network device 900 can include network interfaces 922, such asa mesh network interface for communication with other mesh networkdevices in a mesh network, and an external network interface for networkcommunication, such as via the Internet. The mesh network device 900also includes wireless radio systems 924 for wireless communication withother mesh network devices via the mesh network interface and formultiple, different wireless communications systems. The wireless radiosystems 924 may include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, Mobile Broadband, and/orpoint-to-point IEEE 802.15.4. Each of the different radio systems caninclude a radio device, antenna, and chipset that is implemented for aparticular wireless communications technology. The mesh network device900 also includes a power source 926, such as a battery and/or toconnect the device to line voltage. An AC power source may also be usedto charge the battery of the device.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example system 1000 that includes an exampledevice 1002, which can be implemented as any of the mesh network devicesthat implement embodiments of distributed coordination of mesh networkconfiguration updates as described with reference to the previous FIGS.1-9. The example device 1002 may be any type of computing device, clientdevice, mobile phone, tablet, communication, entertainment, gaming,media playback, and/or other type of device. Further, the example device1002 may be implemented as any other type of mesh network device that isconfigured for communication on a mesh network, such as a thermostat,hazard detector, camera, light unit, commissioning device, router,border router, joiner router, joining device, end device, leader, accesspoint, and/or other mesh network devices.

The device 1002 includes communication devices 1004 that enable wiredand/or wireless communication of device data 1006, such as data that iscommunicated between the devices in a mesh network, data that is beingreceived, data scheduled for broadcast, data packets of the data, datathat is synched between the devices, etc. The device data can includeany type of communication data, as well as audio, video, and/or imagedata that is generated by applications executing on the device. Thecommunication devices 1004 can also include transceivers for cellularphone communication and/or for network data communication.

The device 1002 also includes input/output (I/O) interfaces 1008, suchas data network interfaces that provide connection and/or communicationlinks between the device, data networks (e.g., a mesh network, externalnetwork, etc.), and other devices. The I/O interfaces can be used tocouple the device to any type of components, peripherals, and/oraccessory devices. The I/O interfaces also include data input ports viawhich any type of data, media content, and/or inputs can be received,such as user inputs to the device, as well as any type of communicationdata, as well as audio, video, and/or image data received from anycontent and/or data source.

The device 1002 includes a processing system 1010 that may beimplemented at least partially in hardware, such as with any type ofmicroprocessors, controllers, and the like that process executableinstructions. The processing system can include components of anintegrated circuit, programmable logic device, a logic device formedusing one or more semiconductors, and other implementations in siliconand/or hardware, such as a processor and memory system implemented as asystem-on-chip (SoC). Alternatively or in addition, the device can beimplemented with any one or combination of software, hardware, firmware,or fixed logic circuitry that may be implemented with processing andcontrol circuits. The device 1002 may further include any type of asystem bus or other data and command transfer system that couples thevarious components within the device. A system bus can include any oneor combination of different bus structures and architectures, as well ascontrol and data lines.

The device 1002 also includes computer-readable storage memory 1012,such as data storage devices that can be accessed by a computing device,and that provide persistent storage of data and executable instructions(e.g., software applications, modules, programs, functions, and thelike). The computer-readable storage memory described herein excludespropagating signals. Examples of computer-readable storage memoryinclude volatile memory and non-volatile memory, fixed and removablemedia devices, and any suitable memory device or electronic data storagethat maintains data for computing device access. The computer-readablestorage memory can include various implementations of random accessmemory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and other types ofstorage memory in various memory device configurations.

The computer-readable storage memory 1012 provides storage of the devicedata 1006 and various device applications 1014, such as an operatingsystem that is maintained as a software application with thecomputer-readable storage memory and executed by the processing system1010. The device applications may also include a device manager, such asany form of a control application, software application, signalprocessing and control module, code that is native to a particulardevice, a hardware abstraction layer for a particular device, and so on.In this example, the device applications also include a dataset managerapplication 1016 that implements embodiments of distributed coordinationof mesh network configuration updates, such as when the example device1002 is implemented as any of the mesh network devices described herein.

The device 1002 also includes an audio and/or video system 1018 thatgenerates audio data for an audio device 1020 and/or generates displaydata for a display device 1022. The audio device and/or the displaydevice include any devices that process, display, and/or otherwiserender audio, video, display, and/or image data, such as the imagecontent of a digital photo. In implementations, the audio device and/orthe display device are integrated components of the example device 1002.Alternatively, the audio device and/or the display device are external,peripheral components to the example device. In embodiments, at leastpart of the techniques described for distributed coordination of meshnetwork configuration updates may be implemented in a distributedsystem, such as over a “cloud” 1024 in a platform 1026. The cloud 1024includes and/or is representative of the platform 1026 for services 1028and/or resources 1030.

The platform 1026 abstracts underlying functionality of hardware, suchas server devices (e.g., included in the services 1028) and/or softwareresources (e.g., included as the resources 1030), and connects theexample device 1002 with other devices, servers, etc. The resources 1030may also include applications and/or data that can be utilized whilecomputer processing is executed on servers that are remote from theexample device 1002. Additionally, the services 1028 and/or theresources 1030 may facilitate subscriber network services, such as overthe Internet, a cellular network, or Wi-Fi network. The platform 1026may also serve to abstract and scale resources to service a demand forthe resources 1030 that are implemented via the platform, such as in aninterconnected device embodiment with functionality distributedthroughout the system 1000. For example, the functionality may beimplemented in part at the example device 1002 as well as via theplatform 1026 that abstracts the functionality of the cloud 1024.

Although embodiments of distributed channel sampling across a meshnetwork have been described in language specific to features and/ormethods, the subject of the appended claims is not necessarily limitedto the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specificfeatures and methods are disclosed as example implementations ofdistributed coordination of mesh network configuration updates, andother equivalent features and methods are intended to be within thescope of the appended claims. Further, various different embodiments aredescribed and it is to be appreciated that each described embodiment canbe implemented independently or in connection with one or more otherdescribed embodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A wireless mesh network device implementedas a leader device, the wireless mesh network device comprising: awireless mesh network interface configured for communication in awireless mesh network; a memory and processor system to implement adataset manager application that is configured to: receive, using thewireless mesh network interface, a first pending commissioning dataset;propagate the first pending commissioning dataset to the wireless meshnetwork, the propagation being effective to cause devices in thewireless mesh network to store the first pending commissioning dataset;receive a second pending commissioning dataset from a node device in thewireless mesh network; compare a first pending timestamp included in thefirst pending commissioning dataset to a second pending timestampincluded in the second pending commissioning dataset; based on thecomparison, determine that the second pending timestamp is newer thanthe first pending timestamp; and based on the determination, propagatethe second pending commissioning dataset to the wireless mesh network,the propagation being effective to cause the devices in the wirelessmesh network to reestablish secure communication across the wirelessmesh network using the second pending commissioning dataset.
 2. Thewireless mesh network device of claim 1, wherein the dataset managerapplication is configured to: compare a value of a delay timer in thesecond pending commissioning dataset to a minimum delay time; based onthe comparison, determine that the value of the delay timer in thesecond pending commissioning dataset is less than the minimum delaytime; and based on the determination, set the value of the delay timerin the second pending commissioning dataset to the minimum delay timebefore the propagation of the second pending commissioning dataset tothe wireless mesh network.
 3. The wireless mesh network device of claim2, wherein a value of the minimum delay time is set by a commissioningdevice of the wireless mesh network.
 4. The wireless mesh network deviceof claim 2, wherein the dataset manager application is configured to:transmit a query to router devices in the wireless mesh network todetermine wake-up intervals of sleepy end devices attached to the routerdevices; receive one or more responses to the query that include thewake-up intervals; determine the largest wake-up interval from thereceived wake-up intervals; and set the value of the minimum delay timeto a value that is equal to or greater than the largest determinedwake-up interval.
 5. The wireless mesh network device of claim 1,wherein the pending commissioning dataset comprises one or more of: achannel; a mesh-local prefix; a network master key; or a Personal AreaNetwork Identifier (PAN ID).
 6. The wireless mesh network device ofclaim 1, wherein the second pending commissioning dataset is received inresponse to the node device joining the wireless mesh network.
 7. Thewireless mesh network device of claim 6, wherein the dataset managerapplication is configured to: receive a request for an activecommissioning dataset and the first pending commissioning dataset fromthe node device; and transmit the active commissioning dataset and thefirst pending commissioning dataset to the node device.
 8. The wirelessmesh network device of claim 7, wherein the dataset manager applicationis configured to: in response to the transmission of the activecommissioning dataset to the node device, receive another activecommissioning dataset from the node device; compare an active timestampincluded in the active commissioning dataset that is stored in theleader with another active timestamp included in the other activecommissioning dataset; determine, from the comparison, that the otheractive timestamp is more recent than the active time stamp; in responseto the determination: store, in the leader, the other activecommissioning dataset as the active commissioning dataset for thewireless mesh network; and propagate the other active commissioningdataset to the wireless mesh network.
 9. A wireless mesh network system,comprising: one or more wireless mesh network devices configured forcommunication on the wireless mesh network; and a leader deviceconfigured to maintain commissioning datasets for the wireless meshnetwork, the leader device configured to: receive a first pendingcommissioning dataset; propagate the first pending commissioning datasetto the wireless mesh network devices, the propagation being effective tocause devices in the wireless mesh network to store the first pendingcommissioning dataset; receive a second pending commissioning datasetfrom a joining wireless mesh network device; compare a first pendingtimestamp included in the first pending commissioning dataset to asecond pending timestamp included in the second pending commissioningdataset; based on the comparison, determine that the second pendingtimestamp is newer than the first pending timestamp; and based on thedetermination, propagate the second pending commissioning dataset to thewireless mesh network devices, the propagation being effective to causethe devices in the wireless mesh network to reestablish securecommunication across the wireless mesh network using the second pendingcommissioning dataset.
 10. The wireless mesh network device system ofclaim 9, wherein the leader device is configured to: compare a value ofa delay timer value included in the second pending commissioning datasetto a minimum delay time; based on the comparison, determine that thevalue of the delay timer in the second pending commissioning dataset isless than the minimum delay time; and based on the determination, setthe value of the delay timer in the second pending commissioning datasetto the minimum delay time before the propagation of the second pendingcommissioning dataset to the wireless mesh network devices.
 11. Thewireless mesh network system of claim 9, wherein the leader device isconfigured to: transmit a query to router devices in the wireless meshnetwork to determine wake-up intervals of sleepy end devices attached tothe router devices; receive one or more responses to the query thatinclude the wake-up intervals; determine the largest wake-up intervalfrom the received wake-up intervals; and set the minimum delay time to avalue that is equal to or greater than the largest determined wake-upinterval.
 12. The wireless mesh network system of claim 9, wherein theleader device is configured to: receive a request for an activecommissioning dataset and the first pending commissioning dataset fromthe joining wireless mesh network device; and transmit the activecommissioning dataset and the first pending commissioning dataset to thejoining wireless mesh network device.
 13. The wireless mesh networksystem of claim 12, wherein the leader device is configured to: inresponse to transmission of the active commissioning dataset to thejoining wireless mesh network device, receive another activecommissioning dataset from the joining wireless mesh network device;compare an active timestamp included in the active commissioning datasetthat is stored in the leader with another active timestamp included inthe other active commissioning dataset; determine from the comparisonthat the other active timestamp is more recent than the active timestamp; in response to the determination: store the other activecommissioning dataset as the active commissioning dataset for thewireless mesh network; and propagate the other active commissioningdataset to the wireless mesh network devices.
 14. The wireless meshnetwork system of claim 9, wherein the pending commissioning datasetcomprises one or more of: a channel; a mesh-local prefix; a networkmaster key; or a Personal Area Network Identifier (PAN ID).
 15. A methodfor managing commissioning datasets by leader device in a wireless meshnetwork, the method comprising: receiving, by the leader device, a firstpending commissioning dataset; propagating the first pendingcommissioning dataset to the wireless mesh network, the propagationbeing effective to cause devices in the wireless mesh network to storethe first pending commissioning dataset; receiving a second pendingcommissioning dataset from a node device in the wireless mesh network;comparing a first pending timestamp included in the first pendingcommissioning dataset to a second pending timestamp included in thesecond pending commissioning dataset; determining, based on thecomparison, that the second pending timestamp is newer than the firstpending timestamp; and propagating, based on the determination, thesecond pending commissioning dataset to the wireless mesh network, thepropagation being effective to cause the devices in the wireless meshnetwork to reestablish secure communication across the wireless meshnetwork using the second pending commissioning dataset.
 16. The methodof claim 15, further comprising: comparing, by the leader device, avalue of a delay timer in the second pending commissioning dataset to aminimum delay time; based on the comparison, determining that the valueof the delay timer in the second pending commissioning dataset is lessthan the minimum delay time; and based on the determination, setting thevalue of the delay timer in the second pending commissioning dataset tothe minimum delay time before the propagation of the second pendingcommissioning dataset to the wireless mesh network.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein a value of the minimum delay time is set by acommissioning device of the wireless mesh network.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, the method further comprising: transmitting, by the leaderdevice, a query to router devices in the wireless mesh network todetermine wake-up intervals of sleepy end devices attached to the routerdevices; receiving one or more responses to the query that include thewake-up intervals; determining the largest wake-up interval from thereceived wake-up intervals; and setting the value of the minimum delaytime to a value that is equal to or greater than the largest determinedwake-up interval.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the pendingcommissioning dataset comprises one or more of: a channel; a mesh-localprefix; a network master key; or a Personal Area Network Identifier (PANID).
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the second pendingcommissioning dataset is received in response to the node device joiningthe wireless mesh network.